Subaru has introduced a new design study named Impreza 5-Door Concept at this year’s edition of the Tokyo Motor Show.
It doesn’t take a seasoned auto industry analyst to tell that the Impreza 5-Door Concept accurately previews the next generation of the Impreza. The show car adopts a more modern overall appearance that falls in line with Subaru’s Dynamic & Solid design language thanks to styling cues like C-shaped headlights that stretch well beyond the front end, a more angular rendition of Subaru’s ubiquitous hexagonal grille, and a sporty-looking bumper with oversized air vents.
Beyond the front end, the Impreza 5-Door Concept boasts a steeply-raked A-pillar, a rakish roof line, and sculpted flanks. The back end is fitted with C-shaped tail lamps reminiscent of the headlights, and a roof-mounted spoiler that adds a touch of sportiness to the silhouette. All told, the concept looks more grown-up and markedly sharper than the Impreza that’s currently sitting on dealer lots. It’s much wider, too.
In the Japanese capital, the Impreza 5-Door Concept is sharing the spotlight on the Subaru stand with an equally important show car named VIZIV Future. It’s not too far-fetched to speculate that both show cars will be displayed again in a couple of weeks during the Los Angeles Motor Show, giving U.S. enthusiasts the opportunity to see them in the metal.
What’s next?
Subaru openly admits the Impreza 5-Door Concept will spawn the fifth-generation Impreza. Expected to land as a 2017 model, it will ride on a brand new modular platform that is being designed to underpin most of the members of the Subaru lineup. The next Impreza will consequently be wider and a little bit longer than the current model.
The 2017 Impreza will also usher in a new family of flat-four engines fitted with efficiency-boosting tech features such as direct fuel-injection and cylinder deactivation. All models will come standard with the next evolution of Subaru’s time-tested all-wheel drive system.
